Show 155, January 16, 2016: Cathy Hung, Deputy Director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, L.A. Office

Taiwan the Heart of AsiaTaiwan’s compact size, geographical and climatic diversity, and advanced transportation system let you go from tropical to subtropical, temperate and frigid zones in a matter of hours. See coral reefs and pebbled beaches, lush teas fields and hot springs, old-growth forests and majestic peaks, all in a single day.

Taiwan hosted some 10 million tourists in 2015. The US visitors are about 480,000 in total (4.53% increase compared 2014). It’s the big breakthrough for Taiwan tourism.

It’s the “Gourmet Year” of Food Tourism in Taiwan. “Time to Eat” is the theme.

CNN has selected many Taiwanese specialties among the “40 Must Eat Foods.” Look for Gua Bao, Pineapple Cakes, Stinky Tofu, and Fried Chicken among other items.

Chef Bruce Chen of Popcorn Chicken in Irvine showcases Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. His cooking demo is Sunday afternoon on the Taste of Travel Theater stage.